Obama condemns White House shooting: ‘Violence has no place in America’

Obama urges unity after White House shooting leaves two soldiers critical

Former US President Barack Obama has condemned the shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members critically injured, saying “violence has no place in America.”

In a post on X, Obama wrote: “Michelle and I are praying for the service members shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances.”

Violence has no place in America. Michelle and I are praying for the servicemembers shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances.

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— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 27, 2025

US President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, also reacted strongly to the attack. Calling the alleged gunman an “animal,” he warned the suspect “will pay a very steep price,” and added: “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

Earlier, Trump had described the shooting as “an act of terror” and a “crime against humanity,” while blaming the previous Biden administration for allowing the suspect to enter the country under refugee status.

DC Police said the gunman approached the troops without warning and opened fire near a busy intersection in downtown Washington. The motive remains unclear.

Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement expressing solidarity with the injured soldiers and their families. “Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and we all, together, must condemn this tragedy,” she posted.

The two National Guard members remain in critical condition as federal agencies continue investigating the attack.